There is plenty to keep you entertained, educated and civically engaged this week in Richmond and nearby communities.
Highlights include: A celebration of girls’ sports, an upcoming forum to meet the candidates running for Richmond City Council and the second annual “Norooz” celebration, this year dedicated in solidarity to those suffering in Iran.
For more, see our list of ongoing things to do (many of which are free). Also, don’t forget to add your events to our free community calendar.
- WCCUSD honoring leaders who make a difference
- Festival Opera at the Mac returns
- Dance performance returns to Richmond venue
- Celebration of women, girls’ sports at Richmond park
- Colorful drawings on view at Point Richmond gallery
- A cultural celebration of spring to bring ‘light to dark times’
- Seminar on food industry for young students
- Richmond Rising opening new office at BART station
- Food, beverages, music on tap at annual Sunset & Sips evening
- Richmond primary election candidates’ forum is set
- Related stories
WCCUSD honoring leaders who make a difference
The West Contra Costa Unified School District is shining a spotlight on education officials who have made a difference.
The 39th annual “You Make a Difference” awards recognize the contributions of individuals who go above and beyond in their roles as teachers, administrators, support staff, service providers, and student peers.
Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia will host this year’s celebration.
“You Make a Difference,” awards, Fri., March 6, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Lovonya Dejean Middle School, 3400 Macdonald Ave.
Festival Opera at the Mac returns
Catch a night at the opera at a historic hotel in Point Richmond.
The upcoming Festival Opera at the Mac show will feature coloratura soprano Lila Khazoum.
The series presents opera singers on the first Friday of every month at Biancoverde, the Italian restaurant inside Hotel Mac.
Festival Opera at the Mac, Fri., March 6, 50 Washington Ave., 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Free, registration recommended.
Dance performance returns to Richmond venue
A dance theater performance is returning to The Milkbar performance space.
The show, entitled “grappling with/haunted by what america+utopia might =,” had a sold-out run last October. Mary Armentrout describes it as dance theater with “some gentle opportunities for audience participation.”
Mary Armentrout dance theater performance, March 6 (masks required), March 7 and March 12-14, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Milkbar, 241A South First St. $35 to $50
Celebration of women, girls’ sports at Richmond park
City recreation officials are hosting a community gathering to celebrate and strengthen women’s and girl’s sporting activities.
The Richmond Women & Girls Sports Day will feature coaching, skill-building clinics and mentorship in a supportive environment.
“Come learn, play, connect and shine alongside coaches and peers while discovering the power of sport and confidence,” event organizers said.
Richmond Women & Girls Sports Day, Sat., March 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nicholl Park and Recreation Center, 3230 Macdonald Ave. Free
Colorful drawings on view at Point Richmond gallery
An art exhibit featuring silly, colorful drawings from a team known as Super Squad Alexander and Quayle will be on display at a gallery in Point Richmond.
The “What Is The Point” exhibit will feature drawings from English graphic designer Julian Quayle that are colored in by artist Aimee Alexander, who describe the “Super Art Show” as “a mix of sad British humor and crazy California color.”
It debuts at the Ar-Ti-Fact Gallery on March 7 and is on display until March 29.
“What Is The Point” art exhibit opening reception, Sat., March 7, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Ar-Ti-Fact Gallery, 109 W. Richmond Ave. Free
A cultural celebration of spring to bring ‘light to dark times’
A colorful celebration of spring that take place worldwide is being held for the second year in Richmond to “bring solace and light” to the community.
The second annual “Norooz: A Celebration of Spring and Solidarity” is a family-friendly event that will feature arts, crafts, children’s activities, music, dance and food.
“We will gather around the arts to find solace in community and bring light to these dark times by embracing the beauty of togetherness as spring begins,” event organizers said.
It’s particularly well-timed this year, they said, and is being held “in solidarity with the people of Iran, who are facing a brutal crackdown, oppression, and loss of human life on a massive scale.”
“Norooz: A Celebration of Spring and Solidarity,” Sat., March 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., De Anza High School, 5000 Valley View Road. Free
Seminar on food industry for young students
Experts will educate elementary school students in grades K-3 on the various aspects of the food industry.
The Go Public Schools Family Night will provide information for young students and their families on potential careers in agriculture, hospitality and tourism.
The event is part of the nonprofit organization’s College Early and Often program.
In this session, youngsters will be able to explore how food travels from farms and gardens to our table as well as look into related careers.
“Through interactive activities, students will begin to see themselves as future problem-solvers, creators, and leaders — whether that’s as a farmer, chef, food scientist, event planner or hospitality manager,” event organizers said.
Dinner will be provided at the end of the seminar.
Go Public Schools Family Night, Tue., March 10, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., West Side Branch Library, 135 Washington Ave. Free (registration required)
Richmond Rising opening new office at BART station
The Richmond Rising organization is holding a grand opening for its new community hub office at the Richmond BART station complex.
The free event is designed to let residents tour the new facility as well as meet Richmond Rising officials and learn about the group’s programs.
Those in attendance can also receive a free bag of produce, courtesy of Urban Tilth and the VeggieRX programs.
Richmond Rising is a nonprofit that is part of the California Strategic Growth Council project. Its primary task is to develop neighborhood-level transformative climate community plans.
Among its planned programs are home water efficiency, urban greenery, solar installation, transit access, healthy eating and parks.
Richmond Rising hub grand opening, Thur., March 12, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Richmond BART station, 1600 Nevin Plaza. Free
Food, beverages, music on tap at annual Sunset & Sips evening
You can enjoy a beautiful sunset while drinking wine and enjoying some food and music at a nonprofit organization’s annual membership meeting.
The Sunset & Sips evening is sponsored by the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP).
In addition to the entertainment, GRIP officials will also provide updates on the group’s program, goals, financials and achievements.
Sunset & Sips, Thur., March 12, 5:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Lawson Road, El Cerrito/Kensington. Free
Richmond primary election candidates’ forum is set
You can meet the candidates running for Richmond mayor and three city council seats at an upcoming League of Women Voters election forum.
The forum, set for 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Mon., March 16 at the Richmond City Council chambers, will feature statements by the candidates and a moderated question-and-answer period.
In-person and online audience members will be allowed to submit written questions. Fill out this form to share a question in advance.
The election, Richmond’s first primary, will be held June 2. If a candidate in a given race doesn’t receive a majority vote, the top two vote-getters will square off in the general election in November.
League of Women Voters election forum, Mon., March 16, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., 440 Civic Center Plaza or via Zoom (i.d. 894 2523 5268) and KCRT. Free
